End of the rope:
Cliff "Capt. Cliff" Woodman
Great Lakes Photography
Cliff Woodman has been involved in foiling since 2003 and is probably best known for his driving skills at many foiling events and competitions as well as host of the Ga Mountain Fly-in.
Here for all to enjoy, the tale of Cliff Woodman:
Here for all to enjoy, the tale of Cliff Woodman:
How did you first get into the sport of hydrofoiling, when was it? It was back in 2003. I had seen Hydrofoils advertised in Overton’s and said I have to have one of those. I finally broke down, found one on Ebay and bought the first one I found. And like all hydrofoilers, went to a Fly-In (Florida Fly-In) and immediately upgraded!
I found an old post where you posted your first invert (gainer) video back in July of 2008. It was recently said by somebody that "you never forget your first". Obviously there are lots of ways to go with that but can you describe that experience, the buildup and the feelings once you achieved it? It was awesome. Ironically, it was also at the Florida Fly-In. It happened to be the year that Lake Placid was too low to ski on and the event was held on Lake Jackson. Jake Bradley was driving our boat (3Carrots) and coaching (an excellent teacher, B.T.W.). My wife Lisa was also on the boat. And YES, she DID land an invert before me! However, an invert was not my first trick. I’m a little odd like that. I learned a spin (360) first.
C. Woodman photo
How many people can you take direct credit for introducing to the sport? Good question, maybe a dozen or so. The one I wish I could take credit for, but can’t because he was already a hydrofoiler (I just helped encourage him to pursue his natural talent) is Landon Hill. I moved to Lake Oconee and was driving the boat to work and a friend of his saw it with the Team Hydrofoil sticker and called Landon. He got online, did a search and called me that afternoon. The next weekend, he went out with me and Lisa and was planning on just watching. We said nope. Bring your ski, you’re gonna ride. He landed 2 gainers that day! His first inverts. And just like that – a monster was born!
You have been the designated driver for many events. How did that start? Did you volunteer one time then it became a ritual? Do you have any regrets about not being able to compete while you drive? It actually started because I love to drive. Volunteered for most all of the events. No, I’m a much better driver than I am a competitor! I was honored to win the “That’s Incredible” award from USA Water Ski in 2010 for pulling every competitor in every hydrofoil event for the entire year (Regionals and Nationals).
Did your nickname of "Capt Cliff" originate because your became the driver at events or is there another story behind it? Nope, a real Captain. Got a piece of paper from the U.S. Coast Guard to prove it. My current license will allow me to Captain a 100 ton vessel up to 100 miles offshore.
You have been the designated driver for many events. How did that start? Did you volunteer one time then it became a ritual? Do you have any regrets about not being able to compete while you drive? It actually started because I love to drive. Volunteered for most all of the events. No, I’m a much better driver than I am a competitor! I was honored to win the “That’s Incredible” award from USA Water Ski in 2010 for pulling every competitor in every hydrofoil event for the entire year (Regionals and Nationals).
Did your nickname of "Capt Cliff" originate because your became the driver at events or is there another story behind it? Nope, a real Captain. Got a piece of paper from the U.S. Coast Guard to prove it. My current license will allow me to Captain a 100 ton vessel up to 100 miles offshore.
Your foilforum name is "Yogurt" - any story there? Yep, I love spoof comedy movies. If I sat down and tried, I could probably write the entire script for Spaceballs the movie from memory. For those who have not seen this theatrical genius of a movie, you should rent it along with Blazing Saddles. J Yogurt is the spoof of Yoda in the Star Wars series.
Great Lakes Photography
You created/started the Georgia Mountain Fly-in, one of the most highly regarded fly-ins in the world. How did that come about to be? Had you gone to other fly-ins and said to yourself, "I should do that?" Actually, got into it by accident. I was at one of the Florida Fly-Ins and a hydrofoiler from North GA was there and we got to be friends. He knew of a great location for an event and asked if I would help. I said sure. For the first 2 years, he was the front man and I did all the behind the scenes stuff. Well the 3rd year came around and we could not attend due to my wife’s sister getting married – so I couldn’t help as much as I had in the past. Well, long story short – he didn’t want to do it anymore and Lisa and I took it over. We moved it to August (warmer weather) and we made a conscious effort to look at experiences that we had at Fly-In’s as newbies and tried to improve on that. We were fortunate to have a great location, great time of year and most importantly I had great support from Lisa. I may be the guy that you see on the mic on Saturday night, or hear talking about it….But Lisa did pretty much ALL the behind the scenes stuff. And trust me, there is a LOT!
Describe the work in organizing a fly-in. The details and time it takes must be exhausting. Initially, it’s overwhelming! Over the years we have gotten it down to a science. We really try to improve every year. What worked, what didn’t and what we can improve on. Again, Lisa does a ton behind the scenes leading up to it. In this economy, getting sponsors is also challenging. There are several things to make a Fly-In successful; organization, sponsors, attendees, venue, weather, lake conditions, tow boats, etc. There are three ‘key’ things (in my opinion) that make a Fly-In successful: 1) Sponsors, 2) Attendees and 3) Boat owners! So we really try to make sure all of the attendees get plenty of riding time and really try to mention our sponsors every chance we can. Posters, flyers, emails, Foilforum, banners, thank you packets, etc. Also, as an event organizer I can not thank the boat owners enough. Yeah, we cover their fuel, but they sacrifice the most. They have to drag their boats to the event, drive most all day-everyday, cover the extra fuel to get it there, insurance, loading and unloading it, cleaning and towing clinics. So to everyone that has brought a boat to the GA Mountain Fly-In….Thank You! Another thing we do is offer structured clinics with a limited number of people on board and at set times of the day. These have been extremely successful.
Describe the work in organizing a fly-in. The details and time it takes must be exhausting. Initially, it’s overwhelming! Over the years we have gotten it down to a science. We really try to improve every year. What worked, what didn’t and what we can improve on. Again, Lisa does a ton behind the scenes leading up to it. In this economy, getting sponsors is also challenging. There are several things to make a Fly-In successful; organization, sponsors, attendees, venue, weather, lake conditions, tow boats, etc. There are three ‘key’ things (in my opinion) that make a Fly-In successful: 1) Sponsors, 2) Attendees and 3) Boat owners! So we really try to make sure all of the attendees get plenty of riding time and really try to mention our sponsors every chance we can. Posters, flyers, emails, Foilforum, banners, thank you packets, etc. Also, as an event organizer I can not thank the boat owners enough. Yeah, we cover their fuel, but they sacrifice the most. They have to drag their boats to the event, drive most all day-everyday, cover the extra fuel to get it there, insurance, loading and unloading it, cleaning and towing clinics. So to everyone that has brought a boat to the GA Mountain Fly-In….Thank You! Another thing we do is offer structured clinics with a limited number of people on board and at set times of the day. These have been extremely successful.
Great Lakes Photography
You've created a bunch of foiling related websites over the years, beginning I think with your Team Hydrofoil site and a bunch of fly-in websites. Any formal training/classes or are you self taught on website creation? Some formal training. I’ve always been a computer nerd. I wrote my first program when I was 10. My dad was in banking and we always had the latest computers at the house. I majored in Computer Programming in college. Back then it was COBOL! Some of you old school guys will cringe when they read that - horrible language. You had to write 5 paragraphs to get it to add 2 numbers. As for the websites, I started out doing my own. And then it just grew from there. I build websites on the side and try to only work with one client at the time so I can focus on them. My goal is for them to be 100% happy with it. I offer suggestions like what is trending and current in website design and function, but ultimately, it’s their website and I’ll build it however they like.
Great Lakes Photography
What is your ultimate personal goal in hydrofoiling as a skier? What trick or frame count is your current nirvana you are striving for? Ya know, really haven’t given that much thought. I just enjoy the camaraderie as much or more than the actual foiling. As for tricks, I’m really trying to make my wake rolls as big as my wake jumps and they are kicking my butt. Frame count, as mentioned earlier, not real competitive so I’ll take anything I can ride away from.
I think it is great that personal goals "move and evolve" over time for many foilers as time goes by. Did you, once upon a time, have a modest goal of perhaps just doing a gainer or even a large jump without inverts or did you always envision getting to where you are at? I totally agree. Initially, I just wanted an invert, then a roll, then a wake roll. So yes, goals should always “Move and Evolve”!
What is your greatest thrill in foiling? One single moment or accomplishment? Hmmmm…There are several. My wife landing an invert before me, Landon hitting his first invert behind our boat and then progressing to where he is in such a short time, landing my first invert, riding doubles with Sheena (my daughter), riding triples with Lisa and our other daughter, Whitney and just seeing that cheese eating grin that you see on all newbies when the fly the foil for the first time.
I think it is great that personal goals "move and evolve" over time for many foilers as time goes by. Did you, once upon a time, have a modest goal of perhaps just doing a gainer or even a large jump without inverts or did you always envision getting to where you are at? I totally agree. Initially, I just wanted an invert, then a roll, then a wake roll. So yes, goals should always “Move and Evolve”!
What is your greatest thrill in foiling? One single moment or accomplishment? Hmmmm…There are several. My wife landing an invert before me, Landon hitting his first invert behind our boat and then progressing to where he is in such a short time, landing my first invert, riding doubles with Sheena (my daughter), riding triples with Lisa and our other daughter, Whitney and just seeing that cheese eating grin that you see on all newbies when the fly the foil for the first time.
At one time on Lake Oconee, your job was driving a boat for the resort there. Describe the day to day life and how cool that must have been. It was pretty cool. I was Captain on the Spirit of Oconee. It was a 40’ vessel setup for dinner cruises and party trips. We did private cruises, shuttle trips, booze cruises, etc. Driving a boat for a living defiantly does not suck.
You're 46 years old. Do you see yourself foiling in 10 years? How about at 60? I hope so! I’ve been on the water skiing since I was 15 years old. I hope to continue as long as I can.
You've recently moved around a bit and have ended up down in the Keys in Florida. How is that compared to the serene life on a fresh water lake? Specifically, how is the foiling? Actually, I haven’t been foiling since I have been here. I hope to change that soon. Billy Rossini lives here and is also an active hydrofoiler so hopefully we can get some foiling in, Key West style. Water depth is an issue, lots of shallow reefs here not to mention some very large fish with very large teeth. Come to think of it we would kinda be a top-water lure.
You're 46 years old. Do you see yourself foiling in 10 years? How about at 60? I hope so! I’ve been on the water skiing since I was 15 years old. I hope to continue as long as I can.
You've recently moved around a bit and have ended up down in the Keys in Florida. How is that compared to the serene life on a fresh water lake? Specifically, how is the foiling? Actually, I haven’t been foiling since I have been here. I hope to change that soon. Billy Rossini lives here and is also an active hydrofoiler so hopefully we can get some foiling in, Key West style. Water depth is an issue, lots of shallow reefs here not to mention some very large fish with very large teeth. Come to think of it we would kinda be a top-water lure.
You currently are boatless, your previous boat seemed to have a personality all its own. How long had you had it, any great stories related to the boat and what's the next boat you hope to own. Yeah, first time I have been ‘boatless’ in over 15 years. I really miss that. Lisa and I got together and she jokingly said that she wouldn’t get married for anything less than 3 karats. With me being the astute gentleman that I am (and on wife number 3), I’m learning to pick up on these ‘little’ hints. J Hey, I didn’t say I was a fast learner! Anyway, one Valentine’s day, I came home and gave Lisa a ring box with 3 baby carrots (yes, the vegetable) and it was funny. So, when I bought the first Mastercraft (99 X-Star) I named it ‘3 Carrots’ and in true redneck fashion proposed in the parking lot of Waffle House! Well that boat had some issues and we got another MC in 2002 so we named it ‘3 Carrots Too’. The story got us in a couple of boating magazines and Lisa could always tell people that her ring was so big it took a tandem axle trailer to haul it!
Great Lakes Photography
You were a project manager on Extreme Makeover; Home Edition during the Joplin, Missouri builds. How was that experience? Stories? Oh, wow…..One of the greatest! I learned a lot working for the show. The behind the scenes experiences were INCREDIBLE! Life Changing! To look around at the devastation of what an EF5 tornado can do in a matter of minutes is really hard to comprehend. Working on the show, I got to meet some really cool people and do some really cool things. Ty and Paige are there to tell the story on camera, but there is a whole team of extremely talented designers that do most of the designing. Meeting the families and hearing their stories is definitely life changing. We really do build the house in a week. Actually, as a builder, we only have 106 hours to build the house. At that point we have to turn the house over to the designers for them to work their magic. There are 4 episodes that were shot that will air (1 at Thanksgiving and 3 Christmas) that will hopefully renew the interest and get the show back on the air. Joplin was incredible. Their whole attitude was “We are not victims, we are survivors!” We used over 13,000 volunteers and had significantly more than that sign up to help. We built 7 homes plus a 5 acre city park in 7 days! Lisa got to fly out and hang out with my for the entire build week. So getting to share that with her was pretty awesome too. I don’t think I can top that!
How many days a year do you get out on the water and ski yourself? Last year, about 1. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to foil as much as I would like.
What, in your opinion, is the perfect storm for the sport? Where is it in 5 years, what, if anything, is different? Wow…don’t know there. It is nice to see more companies out there pushing the sport and technology. In the last 5 years I feel it has progressed tremendously!
Lots of foilers agree they don't necessarily want the sport to explode in popularity. The feeling is it will take away from the "family" feel and smallness bonds riders have from fly-ins etc. Do you agree and hope it stays a niche sport? I can argue both sides. If it grows, it gets cheaper. But is also looses the tight knit family atmosphere. So, I’m at a loss on this one. As an old school kinda guy, I really like the ‘family’ atmosphere. I mean, I wouldn’t have a problem giving anyone my ski or boat and saying here just go ride and find me when you get back. I really could get on a plane, fly anywhere in the country and post a message on Foilforum and be riding that afternoon!
How many days a year do you get out on the water and ski yourself? Last year, about 1. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to foil as much as I would like.
What, in your opinion, is the perfect storm for the sport? Where is it in 5 years, what, if anything, is different? Wow…don’t know there. It is nice to see more companies out there pushing the sport and technology. In the last 5 years I feel it has progressed tremendously!
Lots of foilers agree they don't necessarily want the sport to explode in popularity. The feeling is it will take away from the "family" feel and smallness bonds riders have from fly-ins etc. Do you agree and hope it stays a niche sport? I can argue both sides. If it grows, it gets cheaper. But is also looses the tight knit family atmosphere. So, I’m at a loss on this one. As an old school kinda guy, I really like the ‘family’ atmosphere. I mean, I wouldn’t have a problem giving anyone my ski or boat and saying here just go ride and find me when you get back. I really could get on a plane, fly anywhere in the country and post a message on Foilforum and be riding that afternoon!
Rapid Fire time:
Favorite foiler to watch? That’s a tough one. Jake Bradley, Al Lewin, Landon Hill, Ben Ferney. I could probably list a dozen more…There are a lot of great foilers out there. One of the perks of being the boat driver is I get to see them all (except I see them in reverse).
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Yes, Vest, Rope, Gloves, Tools.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? Hmmm. Cash or super power? Well, Have you ever seen me and Superman in the same room at the same time? Cash of course!
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first move? Build a website. :) Probably try to setup a world tour of some type.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (hot dogs, Steve Jobs, Commodore 64, The Beatles, lobster roll, Thanksgiving Day, draft beer, The Grand Canyon, Jimmy Buffet, Cracker Barrel, Cobol) Thanksgiving Day, Lobster Roll, Draft Beer, Cracker Barrel, Grand Canyon, Jimmy Buffet, Hot Dogs, Beatles, Steve Jobs, Commodore 64, COBOL.
Is there an afterlife? I certainly hope so…been planning on it.
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy. Probably anything by Boston
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful. Two, I can only imagine (Mercy Me) and Believe (Brooks & Dunn)
A weird talent you have? Lisa said I couldn’t list that here.
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Def Leopard / Journey. 8 rows back from the stage and they had a bar setup!
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? Probably the 50’s. I love 50’s Hot Rods and that whole era.
Deserted on an island with a sweet home theater setup, only one dvd to watch over and over, Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, or something else? Blazing Saddles – The campfire scene in surround sound is awesome!
If you could go anywhere for one week, where? Antigua
Best sitcom of all time? Big Bang Theory
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? William Shatner, Xzibit & Landon Hill
Collect baseball cards as a kid? Nope
Lennon or McCartney? McCartney
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? On a boat or motorcycle.
Olympics or Xgames? Olympics
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? Murderer
Did man ever walk on the moon? Yep. It was on the internet so it has to be true.
Top 3 websites you visit every day? Yahoo, Facebook & Woot
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsy? patsy
Waffle House order? 2 eggs over easy, bacon, hash browns (scattered, smothered, covered & chunked) waffle & chocolate milk.
Do you have a bag of stuff you take on the boat? What's in the bag? Yes, Vest, Rope, Gloves, Tools.
$10m in cash or a super power, which super power? Hmmm. Cash or super power? Well, Have you ever seen me and Superman in the same room at the same time? Cash of course!
If you were instantly made commissioner of the newly founded World Organization of Hydrofoiling, what would be your first move? Build a website. :) Probably try to setup a world tour of some type.
Rank in order of favorite to least favorite (hot dogs, Steve Jobs, Commodore 64, The Beatles, lobster roll, Thanksgiving Day, draft beer, The Grand Canyon, Jimmy Buffet, Cracker Barrel, Cobol) Thanksgiving Day, Lobster Roll, Draft Beer, Cracker Barrel, Grand Canyon, Jimmy Buffet, Hot Dogs, Beatles, Steve Jobs, Commodore 64, COBOL.
Is there an afterlife? I certainly hope so…been planning on it.
Favorite all-time song that makes you happy. Probably anything by Boston
Favorite all-time song that makes you sad or thoughtful. Two, I can only imagine (Mercy Me) and Believe (Brooks & Dunn)
A weird talent you have? Lisa said I couldn’t list that here.
Best concert you've ever attended, why? Def Leopard / Journey. 8 rows back from the stage and they had a bar setup!
Time travel exists, where/when do you travel, why? Probably the 50’s. I love 50’s Hot Rods and that whole era.
Deserted on an island with a sweet home theater setup, only one dvd to watch over and over, Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, or something else? Blazing Saddles – The campfire scene in surround sound is awesome!
If you could go anywhere for one week, where? Antigua
Best sitcom of all time? Big Bang Theory
Ever get someone's autograph? Who? William Shatner, Xzibit & Landon Hill
Collect baseball cards as a kid? Nope
Lennon or McCartney? McCartney
Where do you do your deep, introspective thinking? On a boat or motorcycle.
Olympics or Xgames? Olympics
O.J. Simpson - murderer or accused and aquitted searcher for the murderer? Murderer
Did man ever walk on the moon? Yep. It was on the internet so it has to be true.
Top 3 websites you visit every day? Yahoo, Facebook & Woot
Lee Harvey Oswald - acted alone or a patsy? patsy
Waffle House order? 2 eggs over easy, bacon, hash browns (scattered, smothered, covered & chunked) waffle & chocolate milk.